HC Deb 20 January 1942 vol 377 cc177-8
3. Mr. T. Smith

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of canteens now in operation where full sit-down hot meals are served; and how many more are in course of erection?

Mr. Grenfell

Canteens equipped to serve full sit-down meals are in operation

— Canteens for full meals. Canteens for "Snap" and Snacks.
No. of collieries. Proportion of total number of men employed in the industry who are catered for. No. of collieries. Proportion of total number of men employed in the industry who are catered for.
Per cent. Per cent.
Canteens in operation. 49 8 611 70
Canteens under construction. 31 3 152 10
Canteens in course of conversion. 80 11 763 80
Add 38 Add 7 Deduct 38 Deduct 7
Schemes in preparation. 118 18 725 73
48 4 — —
166 22 725 73
95 per cent.
"Snap" means sandwiches, meat pies, etc., for consumption at place of work.
"Snack" means food eaten in the canteens (other than full meals).
Full meal type canteens are mostly equipped to serve "Snap" or Snacks to men who want them.

at 49 collieries, and in course of erection at 69 collieries, together catering for about 18 per cent. of the total number of mine-workers employed. Plans are in preparation for additional colliery canteens of this type. In order that the hon. Member may have the most complete information regarding these canteens, I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT further details of the number of collieries at which facilities for partaking of food in this and other forms have been provided. The total provision for service of food provides facilities in one form or another for about 95 per cent. of the whole of the mineworkers.

Mr. Smith

Would my hon. Friend agree that where canteens for sit-down hot meals are in operation the output has been improved?

Mr. Grenfell

I would certainly say that where the men can be provided with as much additional food as can conveniently be served to them, the result would be an improvement in production.

Major Petherick

Will supplies of food to the canteens be increased?

Mr. Grenfell

I think the supply has already been increased.

Following are the details referred to in the Answer: